In response to the publication of the Government’s ‘Road to Zero’ Strategy, local London Assembly Member, Onkar Sahota AM, said:

“The Government has been sitting on this strategy for a long time, but now we've seen it, it's a huge let down for the people of Ealing.

“With thousands of Londoners dying prematurely every year due to air pollution, we needed much stronger assurances from the Government that they are serious about taking the most polluting vehicles off our roads as soon as possible.

“It is extremely disappointing that the Government has decided to keep hybrid vehicles on the roads after 2040. Sadly, this is further evidence that the Government are dragging their feet in pushing through with the transition to electric vehicles.

“In contrast, we have seen much more ambitious calls, not just from the Mayor of London but also other city leaders across England and Wales, for the Government to put an end to pure diesel and petrol sales from 2030.

“Air pollution is a toxic blight upon our communities and Sadiq Khan has led the way in tackling it, having already implemented the T-Charge, with the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) starting in April 2019. It is high-time that the Government followed his lead”.

ENDS

Notes to editors

- The Mayor of London recently joined city leaders from across England and Wales calling for the Government to put an end to pure diesel and petrol sales from 2030;